BATESVILLE, Ark. – A Batesville couple has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after their 8-month-old child tested positive for methamphetamine following a traffic stop in May.
Matthew Shawn Matty, 44, and Tevis Virginia Matty, 42, were both taken into custody on June 4 and face charges of introducing a controlled substance into another person’s body and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.
The charges stem from a May 20 traffic stop conducted by the 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force, with assistance from Batesville police. Authorities said the couple’s vehicle contained methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia—and their infant was in the vehicle at the time.
Following the stop, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) took custody of the child. On June 2, DHS caseworkers informed investigators that a hair follicle test conducted on the child returned positive for methamphetamine.
Further investigation revealed a troubling history. According to court documents, both Matthew and Tevis Matty have prior arrests related to methamphetamine, dating back to 2022. Medical records from the child’s birth also show that Tevis Matty tested positive for MDMA at the time of delivery, DHS reported.
The case is currently under review, and both defendants remain in custody pending further court proceedings. The child remains in protective custody as DHS continues its investigation.
Authorities have not released bond information or court dates as of this publication.
